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Jester Endorsed as 'Jobs Candidate'
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"As a state representative, we strongly believe that Mark will fight for initiatives that will help grow jobs in Massachusetts. Mark Jester is the pro-jobs candidate," said Hruby.
NJFM conducted a survey of all the candidates running in the special election on Oct. 18 to fill the vacant 3rd District seat. Jester's survey showed that he has the best understanding of how regulations, high taxes and government bureaucracy can deter job growth, according to Hruby. Moreover, Jester supports immediate reforms that can help the commonwealth's economy.
Jester is the second candidate in the state to receive the distinction of being a "Pro-Jobs Candidate" from New Jobs for Massachusetts. Last month, newly elected state Rep. Keiko Orrall received the first recognition.
Figures supplied by NJFM
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NJFM has been sounding the alarm that Massachusetts has a jobs crisis. According to its figures, the commonwealth needs one million jobs in order to satisfy the need for employment.
NJFM officials say the new organization is funded by private small contributions so it does not have a membership list that might face retaliation from the State House for being vocal on issues.
Mike Hruby of Boxborough has been a consultant to large and mid-sized technology companies for more than 20 years. During the course of more than 500 projects, his firm helped companies nationwide enter new markets for their products. Since 2004, he built a data center cooling business for a client based on its patent, and found licensees for corporate technologies. He wrote an award-winning book on corporate growth strategy titled "Technoleverage." He has a master's degree in resource economics from the University of New Hampshire.
Council Candidate Bullett Sets Meet & Greet
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Bullett, who is running for council for the first time, invites the public to come speak with her.
The afternoon will include hamburgers, hot dogs and chili, volleyball, horseshoes and dancing. Tickets are $10 or $8 for seniors and children.
Reserve tickets by calling 663-7862 or pay at the door.
Alcombright Outlines Platform: 'Together We Move Forward'
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"With the election approximately five weeks away, I want to make certain my positions are very clear to the public including the positions I have taken on growth, schools, taxes and other opportunities. Through a succession of press releases over the next several weeks, I hope to show you that my positions and my decisions have been consistent with what was discussed two years ago. Most importantly, I want the voters of this city to see that the work that I have done, was done without political bias, political gain or political pressure. I truly want people to know that I have done what I have said I would do, manage this city, bring our finances under control, open up city government and create transparency, utilize the talents of many and begin the processes necessary to facilitate growth.”
Alcombright continued, "One thing that I spoke of two years ago was growth. The only way to stabilize our tax rate and to succeed as a community is through growth. The only way to begin projects, build schools, remediate neglected infrastructure is through growth. My campaign slogan this year is 'Together We Move Forward.' We cannot move forward by looking backward with only a handful of people making decisions. And while I have made some very difficult decisions, I have not made them in a vacuum. I indicated at one point that we are in an economic cycle whereby right now, it is difficult to spend and when you cannot spend, you must plan.
"Since January 2010, I have filled boards and commissions with close to 50 appointments tapping the energy, ideas and creativity of our greatest asset, the people who live here. Many of our boards were not fully appointed and many did not meet on a regular basis. Our boards and commissions are more active than ever and doing some great work. These are good people who are taking the time to make this city a better place. Unlike my opponent who wishes to have less involvement from the community, I want to reach out even more and invite greater collaboration.
"In this severe national economic crisis that has loomed for several years, I am very proud to have been part of what I consider significant successes in North Adams over the past two years. While many communities have lost ground, we have many great stories to tell. Growth at Excelsior Printing, Cariddi Auto, Shima, Shear Madness, Creations, The Transcript offices and I Got Goodies. We have seen four new restaurants - Rub, Desperados, Public and the Sushi House. My administration worked with private investment to be certain the Brien Center remained in the city at the former Transcript building, guaranteeing some $250,000 in tax revenue over the next 10 years. Walmart has installed a sewer system, our Juvenile Court is staying in the city, United Cerebral Palsy has established a new location on Union Street, Carr Hardware is engaged in a significant expansion, the Dollar Tree Store opened and we have secured $3.5 million in grants through the North Adams Housing Authority for much needed improvements in our public housing and we have completed significant roadwork. All of these accomplishments have retained jobs and brought new jobs while preserving our tax base. Again, all of this in the middle of a recession, with no money, just people moving this community forward.
"There are many other significant growth opportunities in the works and I will share those things in my next release. While some think that 'back' is the way to go, I will move this city forward through my continued efforts in working with a host of agencies, professionals, our neighboring communities and the public. We cannot survive alone and must look to the greater region to grow. I will not look back. I will continue to keep my vision clear and I will work with all who want to move this community forward."
Mayoral Candidate Boucher Shares Views On School Buildings
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"I strongly endorse the neighborhood school concept currently employed in our community. As a parent and grandparent myself, there is a certain level of comfort you feel when sending your child off to school in your own neighborhood. That feeling needs to continue. I do not believe the city is currently in the financial position to fund a new school, or schools, as proposed by the School Committee, chaired by the mayor. Chances are good that the [state School Building Authority] will not pass the two school option and I believe a Debt Exclusion vote would face a similar fate as the Proposition 2.5 override," Boucher said.
"Instead the city should invest money to temporarily fix the current Greylock and Sullivan buildings, to keep our children in neighborhood schools. My plan for the future would be, once the Drury and Brayton debts are paid, to replace one school, and only then if we can absorb the cost in our budget, so a Debt Exclusion vote would not be needed. Finally I would like to add that it is not the building, but rather the teachers and curriculum that make up an excellent school system."
You can learn more about Ron Boucher, his campaign and views by visiting his website at www.VoteBoucher2011.com. Inquiries can be mailed to VoteBoucher2011@yahoo.com.
Miller Endorsed by Clean Water Action
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mark Miller has earned another endorsement in his bid to become state representative for the 3rd Berkshire District in the Oct. 18 special election."Clean Water Action is pleased to endorse Mark Miller for the Massachusetts House in the 3rd Berkshire District in the upcoming special election," said CWA Massachusetts Political Director Jeff Knudsen. "We were impressed by his commitment to protecting our drinking water; reducing global warming pollution; promoting clean renewable power and quality green jobs creation; and to replacing toxic chemicals in children's products with safer alternatives. CWA believes that Mark Miller will be a strong environmental leader and we look forward to working with him in the House."
In addition to CWA, Miller is running with the support of Planned Parenthood, the UAW, the Massachusetts Nurses Association, and Mass Alliance.
State Election